NBC’s Dr. Nancy Snyderman Receives Albert C. Muse Prize and William S. McEllroy Award

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 7, 2011 – An award-winning physician-journalist has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Albert C. Muse Prize for Excellence in Otolaryngology, an honor that is sponsored by the Eye and Ear Institute and Foundation and recognizes significant contributions to the medical field.

Nancy Snyderman, M.D., chief medical editor for NBC News, who will receive the award at a private dinner, is a regular contributor to "Nightly News," "The Today Show", "Rock Center with Brian Williams," and "Dateline."

In May, she was selected also for the 2011 William S. McEllroy Award, which is given annually by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Medical Alumni Association to a physician who was not a medical school alum but did residency training through the university and UPMC. She will receive the award after speaking with faculty, staff and students in “A Conversation with Nancy Snyderman” at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, Auditorium 6, Scaife Hall.

In addition to being a journalist, Dr. Snyderman is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and Health System, medical director of GE’s healthyimagination initiative, a board member of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and a fellow of the American College of Surgery.

“Dr. Snyderman’s work has made an enormous impact in medical journalism, women’s health, and otolaryngology,” said Jonas Johnson, M.D., professor and chair, Department of Otolaryngology, Pitt School of Medicine. “I’m delighted to welcome her back to Pittsburgh and celebrate her successes.”

After completing her medical degree at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Snyderman did residency training in pediatrics, surgery and otolaryngology through the UPMC Medical Education program. Prior to joining NBC, she worked at ABC News on shows including “20/20,” “Primetime,” and “Good Morning America.” She has won several broadcasting awards, including an Emmy.

The Muse Prize, which is given in alternate years to experts in otolaryngology and ophthalmology, is named for Albert C. Muse, who has worked with the Eye and Ear Foundation and supported its research efforts for more than 30 years. He currently serves on the foundation’s board and has been its chairman.

The Eye & Ear Foundation is dedicated to enhancing patient care for those suffering from diseases and disorders of the eye, ear, nose, throat, head and neck by advancing the leading-edge academic and research efforts of the Eye & Ear Institute.

Members of the media who want to attend the Nov. 9 afternoon talk can contact Anita Srikameswaran or Jennifer Yates, UPMC Media Relations, for more information.